Drawing inspiration from Paul, the seminal preacher, Steven W. Smith takes a fresh look at the whys of preaching in Dying to Preach. In 2 Corinthians 4:12, Paul describes the philosophy of his ministry as "death works in us, but life in you." Building on this scriptural framework, Smith examines the theology of preaching through the metaphor of vicarious suffering, dying so that others might life. As he elaborates on the intersection of the cross and the pulpit, Smith shows why the preacher must die to self, die for others, and die in Christ so that congregations may live.